Kate Zernike Books

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who broke the story comes the inspiring account of sixteen female scientists who compelled MIT to acknowledge its long-standing discrimination against female faculty, igniting a nationwide reckoning with sexism in science. In 1999, MIT's admission of discrimination prompted institutions across the country to confront the urgent need for more women in top scientific roles. This untold story highlights how these accomplished women united to instigate this historic acknowledgment. Central to the narrative is Nancy Hopkins, a reluctant feminist who emerged as a leader and a symbol for generations of women in science. Initially hired during the early affirmative action era of the 1970s, Dr. Hopkins and her colleagues believed discrimination was a relic of the past, viewing science as a meritocracy. However, after years of underpayment and denial of equal opportunities, they recognized a troubling pattern: women were often marginalized, particularly as they aged, while men with similar or lesser qualifications thrived. This powerful narrative resonates with all professional women facing “21st-century discrimination”—a subtle yet damaging bias. Similar to bestsellers like Hidden Figures and Lab Girl, this account offers a rare insight into high-level scientific research and celebrates the extraordinary female scientists whose contributions have been historically overlooked, highlighting thei

A surprising and revealing look inside the Tea Party movement—its origins, principles, and implications for American politics. Emerging during the Great Recession, this movement saw angry voters rallying against bailouts and government intervention, invoking the Founding Fathers as they labeled themselves the Tea Party. Within a year, they shifted the political landscape in Washington, empowering Republicans and complicating the new administration's agenda. The narrative unfolds through Kate Zernike's exploration of the Tea Party, featuring a diverse group of activists and the philosophy that drives them. The movement is a unique blend of young, tech-savvy conservatives and older individuals who feel alienated by a changing nation. Rooted in a historical distrust of government, their grievances are particularly tied to the election of the first black president and the extensive government actions following the 2008-2009 economic crisis. Despite being more educated and financially stable than many Americans, they harbor significant pessimism about the economy and the country's future. Zernike introduces various figures, including a young teacher in Seattle, and highlights how the movement mobilizes activists across generations. The Tea Party has energized voters but also deepened political polarization, making it essential to understand this movement for insights into American politics moving forward.